Scientific Diving Laboratory of IPB University Teaches Children Diving Skills

Scientific Diving Laboratory (SI Lab) of Marine Hydrobiology Division, Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) of IPB University taught three elementary, junior and high school students diving techniques. This is a new program in SI Lab because previously this diving training activity was only given to students and lecturers of IPB University, especially those who take a scientific diving course.

This was conveyed by the Head of the SI Lab, Beginer Subhan while introducing this program at IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (20/7). He said that the diving training activity could be given to children aged at least 10 years-old with their parents' approval.

The diving training course is carried out in three sessions, namely academic session, pool session, and open water session. These three sessions are an integral part that each participant must pass.

"Before starting the activity, each participant must submit a health statement and convey the history of their health that should be known by their parents or guardians," added Dondy Arafat, Diving Instructor of the Scientific Diving Laboratory.

The material for the Open Water Diver follows the IS0 24801-2 standard on Recreational Diving Services. Skills delivered include how to clean snorkel mask and SCUBA equipment, how to share air, how to remove and install SCUBA equipment in the water, how to keep the equipment, buoyancy, and others.

"We allowed our children to join this diving training course because we want to be able to dive with them. I was surprised to see the enthusiasm of the children in taking part in this pool session. There was no tense atmosphere and they even enjoyed paying attention to the instructors," said Maretha, one of the participants' parents. (**/Zul/zsp)